Szarzewski is likely to be France's number one hooker following William Servat's retirement from the game but he has opted to bring down the curtain on his eight year stay at Stade. The switch has been in the pipeline for a while with reports circulating back in January that it was a done deal, but Szarzewski opted to wait until last Saturday's Parisian derby - which Racing won - before confirming it.

"After seven years at Stade Français I've made the difficult decision to join Racing Metro to have a new experience and undertake new challenges," Szarzewski said. "It's a difficult decision, but one I've reflected on for a long time."

Elsewhere in the Top 14, Fijian flyer Avenisi Vasuinubu has signed for Bordeaux-Begles. The club cemented their top-flight status with a 23-9 win over Brive on Saturday with Raphael Ibanez taking their coaching reins next season.